Because I feel like four is a tad early for my daughter Eden to be able to see right through me.
To be fair, she has had this ability for a long while, but recently it seems that she has upped the ante.
Running water will always take the path of least resistance — and the same is true for a toddler trying to get her own way.
It started out small, as most problems do.
A “yes” here. An “okay” there. An “only if you eat your dinner first” for good measure.
But once she realised that all she had to do was keep turning the pressure valve until I caved, I had no hope of winning any battles.
It’s gotten to the point where the echo of a “no” from someone else can still be in the air and she will be asking whatever the question of the moment is of me instead.
I’m certainly trying to steel myself for the battle, but I haven’t found the secret to being immune to those big puppy-dog eyes.
Worryingly, Bonnie — who is only 14 months old — already seems to be cottoning on to the inners workings of her sister’s plans.
There’s lots of pointing and grunting when she wants something — and the movements and sounds reach a prompt crescendo when she deems you’re not acting quickly enough for her liking.
I’ve always said that as a parent, you have to pick your battles.
They both must just sense that my white flag is often spring-loaded when it comes to parental warfare.
Tyler Maher is the editor of the News
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